June 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s main opposition United National Party (UNP) has called for the establishment of a parliamentary select committee to probe into the import of pesticides with banned chemicals.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake told the media that such a committee to probe into the matter was needed considering the effect banned chemicals like arsenic would have on human lives.

He has said the government has to ensure that the food consumed by the people, especially rice, does not contain harmful chemicals.

According to Attanayake, the government instead of trying to cover up the matter should take necessary steps to avoid any health hazards.